China’s Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs of 2024 Unveiled
China Media Group (CMG) has announced the top 10 scientific news stories from China in 2024, highlighting the nation’s remarkable strides in science and technology. From space exploration to cutting-edge robotics, here are the achievements that are shaping the future.
1. Landmark National Sci-Tech Meeting
On June 24, China held a significant meeting that combined the national science and technology conference, the national science and technology award conference, and the general assemblies of the members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. This convergence aimed to foster collaboration and innovation across various scientific fields.
2. Chang’e-6 Mission Brings Back Moon’s Far Side Samples
The Chang’e-6 probe’s returner touched down on Earth on June 25, bringing back the world’s first samples collected from the moon’s far side. This marks a monumental achievement in space exploration, offering new insights into lunar geology.
3. Launch of the Meng Xiang Deep-Ocean Drilling Vessel
China’s first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel, the Meng Xiang, was officially commissioned in Guangzhou on November 17. With a maximum drilling depth of 11 kilometers, it stands as one of the most advanced vessels of its kind, poised to enhance deep-sea research capabilities.
4. Quantum Simulator Breakthrough
A research team from the University of Science and Technology of China reported observing antiferromagnetic phase transition in a large and uniform quantum simulator. Published in the journal Nature on July 10, this quantum simulator is the first to achieve simulation of the fermionic Hubbard model beyond classical computers, using ultracold atomic quantum simulators.
5. Advancements in Meteorological Supercomputing
On January 12, the China Meteorological Administration unveiled a new generation of meteorological supercomputing systems with 6.5 times higher computing power. This leap in technology enhances weather forecasting accuracy and disaster preparedness.
6. Debut of “Q Family” Humanoid Robots
In February, the Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences introduced the “Q Family” humanoid robots. These robots showcase advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, capable of interacting with humans in dynamic environments.
7. Release of High-Definition Lunar Geologic Atlases
In April, China released a set of geologic atlases of the global moon at a scale of 1:2.5 million. These are the first complete high-definition lunar geologic atlases in the world, providing essential map data for future lunar research and exploration.
8. Successful Recovery of Shijian-19 Satellite
China successfully recovered its first reusable and returnable test satellite, the Shijian-19, at the Dongfeng Landing Site in the Gobi Desert on October 11. This achievement marks a significant step forward in reusable space technology.
9. Opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link
On June 30, China inaugurated the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in Guangdong Province. This infrastructural marvel enhances connectivity and promotes economic integration in southern China.
10. Development of Brain-on-a-Chip System
Chinese researchers have developed MetaBOC, a brain-on-a-chip intelligent interaction system. This innovation enables a brain organoid to autonomously control robots for tasks like obstacle avoidance, tracking, and grasping, paving the way for breakthroughs in brain-computer interface research.
These accomplishments reflect China’s commitment to advancing science and technology. As these breakthroughs unfold, they promise to have a profound impact not only within China but across the global scientific community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
